Miscellaneous | Integrity Sampling

Miscellaneous

The change that requires those who want to purchase painkillers containing codeine to see a doctor for a prescription, instead of purchasing over the counter, appears to have resulted in a reduction in the number of positive workplace drug testing results for opiates. Codeine is an opioid drug that is closely related to morphine, and other medications, as well as the illicit drug heroin. The codeine change, which was introduced in Australia on 1 February this year, was brought in to reduce the harm caused by overuse and abuse of codeine specifically and opiates in general. Another key reason for the change was the lack of evidence to show that codeine medications are any more effective for pain relief, colds, flus and other ailments than similar medications that don’t have the same harmful effects as codeine. As we’ve mentioned in the past in our blog, the use of codeine medications can result in positive workplace drug testing results. This is particularly the case when the drug is taken above recommended dosages, either inadvertently or deliberately. So, has the change reduced the number of positive opiate results? In short, yes. Integrity Sampling has compared workplace drug testing results from testing carried out in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania in specific industries between April and August 2017, against the same period and involving the same industries in 2018. The significance of this period is that it is the traditional cold and flu season and is the period when opiate positive results have usually risen. While the sample size is relatively small (less than 5000) the results show that compared to 68 positive results for opiates during the April – August period in 2017, there were only 37 in 2018. That’s a significant reduction of around 46 per cent. During the same periods, cannabis and methamphetamine positives rose (46 positives in 2017 compared with 56 in 2018 for cannabis, and 56 positives in 2017 compared with 79 in 2018 for methamphetamines. As mentioned, the sample size is small and we’d like to see results in subsequent years before making any ground-breaking statements, but it is none-the-less an important drop and a positive step forward.

End of COVID-19 restrictions could be start of drug flood

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

An article on LADBIBLE says there is one good thing about COVID-19 restrictions; it’s been keeping potentially deadly drugs out of Australia. That’s the good news. The bad news is that when the restrictions ease there may be a flood of drugs onto the Australian market and some of the drugs could wreak havoc....

Miscellaneous

What drug are you most likely to detect in workplace drug testing in WA? The photo provides a hint, but here’s another clue: that’s not a normal cigarette!

Australians’ drug and alcohol habits exposed

July 24, 2020July 24, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

According to an article in the West Australian, Australians are smoking less, still drinking dangerously high amounts and taking more drugs than they were three years ago. The article is based on an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey, which involved more than 22,000 Australians aged 14 and over. According to the article:...

Miscellaneous

ICE in our wastewater? There is good and bad news for workplace drug testing in Perth and WA, from the fifth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.

Aussies turning to drugs

July 3, 2020July 3, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

Australian Associated Press has featured an alarming article that highlights that, “Australia’s toxic love affair with stimulants is in full bloom, driven by a relentless appetite for ice, samples from sewage treatment plants show.” The article uses as evidence the results from recent monitoring of wastewater from sites across Australia. They say the most...

Miscellaneous

In many cases, fatigue in the workplace causes a severe risk to health and wellbeing, as well as diminishing productivity. Its accompanying loss of focus, concentration and judgment can mean danger to life and livelihood for employers, as well as the loss of time, money, and morale amongst colleagues. Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to tackle tiredness, which can ensure employees’ safety and reassure company security.

Tiredness and fatigue often indicates an underlying health problem

June 11, 2020June 11, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

In many cases, fatigue in the workplace causes a severe risk to health and wellbeing, as well as diminishing productivity. Its accompanying loss of focus, concentration and judgment can mean danger to life and livelihood for employers, as well as the loss of time, money, and morale amongst colleagues. Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways...

Miscellaneous

If you drive on Victoria’s roads as part of your job, it’s even more important that you know the dangers of drugs and alcohol and driving.

Report highlights truck major incidents

May 22, 2020May 22, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

According to Prime Mover Magazine, a recent report on truck major incidents in 2019 highlights some issues and trends in heavy vehicle road safety. The report, released by truck insurance specialist, National Transport Insurance (NTI), and compiled by the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC), covers major incidents in 2019. According to Prime Mover,...

Miscellaneous

Are media reports about the use, addictiveness and harmful effects of the drug ICE correct?

The scourge of ICE

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

A recent editorial by Matt Johnston in the Herald Sun warns that some of the affects of COVID-19, such as job losses, isolation and mental health issues, will result in a “dangerous new undercurrent of methamphetamine abuse that we must tackle early”. The editorial highlights that methamphetamines, commonly referred to as ICE, has already...

Miscellaneous

Is roadside drug testing in Queensland a revenue raiser or a valuable lifesaver?

Drug driving is an increasing road safety problem

May 12, 2020May 12, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

Drug Driving is an increasing road safety problem. Drug use is often associated with being involved in a crash, and when driving under the influence of drugs your risk and driving ability is similar to driving two to three times over the legal drink driving limit. Just recently on March 28 within the Maryborough...

Miscellaneous

Integrity Sampling can provide temperature screening for your workplace.

Temperature screening during COVID-19

May 8, 2020May 8, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

People often overestimate their own healthiness and doing so can have negative consequences when employees decide to continue to work while sick. Depending on the work environment and the illness, a sick employee can infect co-workers, customers, students, patients, and the general public. The introduction of body temperature screening to help prevent individuals from...

Miscellaneous

COVID 19 news update

March 23, 2020May 8, 2020adminLeave a comment

8 May 2020 People often overestimate their own healthiness and doing so can have negative consequences when employees decide to continue to work while sick. Depending on the work environment and the illness, a sick employee can infect co-workers, customers, students, patients, and the general public. The introduction of body temperature screening to help...

Miscellaneous

Is it appalling that people are being caught in drug testing in South Australia while picking up or dropping off their kids from school? You be the judge.

Drug testing around South Australia’s schools leaves police appalled

February 25, 2020February 25, 2020MichaelLeave a comment

According to a report in The Advertiser, more than one in ten drivers tested around school zones are being caught by drug testing with methamphetamines in their system. Recently, drug testing was conducted on 46 drivers around school zones in South Australia during drop-off and pick up times. Four people tested positive for methamphetamines,...